Bill to curb cellphone bill shock up for preliminary vote in legislature

TORONTO — A proposal to curb sticker shock when Ontario consumers open their cellphone bills faces a vote in the legislature Thursday, but still faces hurdles even if it passes.

The bill aims to make the cost of using a cellphone more transparent, and to clarify contracts so that Ontario consumers know what they’re paying for.

Liberal David Orazietti, who introduced the private member’s bill, said users need protection from high fees and confusing contracts.

“This is a huge consumer issue, Orazietti said.

“The price gouging that is taking place in this sector because of the lack of competition is absolutely horrendous.

Measures are long overdue in Ontario, where about 70 per cent of residents use cellphones, he added.

Ken Whitehurst, executive director of Consumers Council of Canada, said consumers want clarity and plain language when they sign up for a cellphone so they can choose the right service provider.

“It sometime seems that rather than getting competition and delivering cellular service, we’re seeing competition between the cellphone companies to figure out who can create the most incomprehensible agreements, he said.

Orazietti’s bill would reduce cancellation fees, force companies to warn users when they’re outside their local areas so they won’t be zapped with roaming charges, and prevent consumers from being billed while their phone is being repaired.

The draft legislation would also require companies to “unlock any phone once it’s paid for, so customers can switch service providers without buying a new device.

While private member’s bills rarely become law, the Liberals have previously backed two of Orazietti’s bills, including a ban on smoking in cars with kids.

Both the Progressive Conservatives and New Democrats have said that they would support the current bill, as has Consumer Services Minister Margarett Best.

That would likely give the legislation enough votes to pass second reading Thursday and be sent to committee for study.

But the government still controls which legislation is called up for third and final reading.

Best wouldn’t say whether the government would allow her colleague’s bill to reach that stage and potentially become law.

“I will support it at second reading, but we will continue to monitor the bill, she said.

“Certainly consumer protection is something that is very important to our government.

Opposition Leader Tim Hudak said the Liberals should either support the bill, or oppose it and risk the wrath of cellphone users.

“Pick a side, he said.

Orazietti, who represents Sault Ste. Marie, introduced a similar bill in the last legislative session. It passed second reading but died when the Oct. 6 election was called.